21 Days Praying for Family

Posted on October 15, 2013 by Dr. Logan's Blog

Day 15 – Genesis 2:22-25

22 Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. 23 The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” 24 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. 25 The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.[1]

What is God’s intention and plan for marriage? Marriage as an institution has become so diluted that God’s purpose and plan for it has been lost. It has become so trivialized that people jump from marriage to marriage almost as if they are playing a children’s game. God had and still has a plan for marriage that has existed from creation. It is to provide companionship. It is to be a committed, exclusive relationship. It is a lifelong partnership. It is the intended context for raising children. It is the exclusive context for sexual fulfillment and pleasure.

I know, first hand, the difficulties of marriage. I know how seemingly impossible it is at times to faithfully walk out God’s purpose, and yet our circumstances do not negate them. The marriage between Adam and Eve in the Garden was and is the ideal. Adam was euphoric when he first saw Eve. God had taken away a part of him, but now presents it back to him in the person of Eve and they become one flesh. Their love for one another was pure. There was no shame even as they faced each other naked. But their innocence was not to last. The enemy got into their relationship and not only destroyed their utopia and nearly their union, but has made our marriages difficult ever since.

We cannot forget that marriage is first and foremost a divine institution. God instituted it and ordained and anything that God institutes the enemy of our souls seeks to come against it. Certainly we know that enemy cannot do anything to us, or our marriages, that we do not allow, but the myriad distractions around us with their enticing temptations put almost too much pressure on a marriage for couples to bear. As a result many couples decide to opt out of marriage seeing it as a useless institution. Other couples accept the failure of so many couples as just a normal part of life that one should expect and not be surprised by. But I want to lobby today for a return to God’s intent and plan for marriage. I want to encourage couples to do the hard work of working through their struggles. Does it take two? Yes! Will it be easy? No! But that is why we have Jesus and the Holy Spirit, to aid and assist us in our weaknesses.

Dear Father, thank you for the institution of marriage. We confess that our marriages are far from Your ideal. We are demanding and selfish. We seek our own welfare and not that of our spouse. We are distracted and tempted by carnal pleasures. We want what others seem to have more than we desire what you want for us. We are quick to surrender under fire and often lack the willingness to do the hard work necessary to overcome. Forgive us today for our failure to live according to Your intent and purpose. Speak to us and make us passionate for relationships that honor and glorify You. Amen.

[1] The Holy Bible: New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1984), Ge 2:22–25.

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21 Days Praying for Family

Posted on October 14, 2013 by Dr. Logan's Blog

Day 14 – Genesis 2:18, 20

The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”  20 So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field. But for Adam no suitable helper was found.[1]

One cannot have a conversation about family without mentioning marriage, which is part of God’s plan for His creation. Many people grow uncomfortable discussing marriage because it has become so controversial on so many levels. But the people of God need to have the discussion because of the pervasiveness of divorce and the formation of families outside the marriage. Much of the discussion today centers around same sex marriage, but the family was already in deep trouble. The Office Of National Statistics suggests that four out ten children today are born outside of marriage and that by 2016 the percentage will rise to over 50%. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), under 7 (6.8) out of 1,000 get married in the U.S., and less than 4 (3.6) out of 1,000 get divorced. So it appears slightly more than 50% of marriage end in divorce, but worse yet, the majority of people are not even getting married. However, though avoiding marriage, many are still having children and starting families.

The Church of Jesus Christ is not immune to these alarming statistics. It has often been said that the divorce rate among Christians mirrors that of society in general, but according to the Gospel Coalition’s FactChecker this statistic is grossly inaccurate and overstated. “Here’s the truth, people who seriously practice a traditional religious faith—whether Christian or other—have a divorce rate markedly lower than the general population. The factor making the most difference is religious commitment and practice. What appears intuitive is true. Couples who regularly practice any combination of serious religious behaviors and attitudes—attend church nearly every week, read their Bibles and spiritual materials regularly; pray privately and together; generally take their faith seriously, living not as perfect disciples, but serious disciples—enjoy significantly lower divorce rates than mere church members, the general public, and unbelievers” (Gospel Coalition, 2012). Where these behaviors do not happen the divorce rate is higher, but still lower than the national average. God’s plan for the family unit was and still is rooted in marriage. Let us do the hard work of building and rebuilding them.

Dear Lord, our marriages are in trouble. We know Your heart is grieved whenever we live beneath our privilege, and especially when we fail to follow Your plan and design for our lives. Many of Your people today are suffering the pain of living in bad marriages or from having lost marriages. Some cannot get past the guilt they feel even when the divorce was warranted and they had done everything they could to salvage it. Help all of us today to know and follow Your plan. Bring healing and wholeness to those who suffer, and reconciliation and restoration where there is brokenness. Amen.

[1] The Holy Bible: New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1984), Ge 2:18, 20.

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21 Days Praying for Family

Posted on October 13, 2013 by Dr. Logan's Blog

Day 13 – 2 Samuel 13:32-34

32 But Jonadab son of Shimeah, David’s brother, said, “My lord should not think that they killed all the princes; only Amnon is dead. This has been Absalom’s expressed intention ever since the day Amnon raped his sister Tamar. 33 My lord the king should not be concerned about the report that all the king’s sons are dead. Only Amnon is dead.” [1]

There is probably no greater story told about the betrayal of a son than that of Absalom. In the 15th chapter of 2 Samuel we read the account of how Absalom stole the hearts of the people and sent his father David running for his life as he attempted a coup d’état. In the 18th chapter we read of the death of Absalom and picture him hanging from an Oak tree by the locks of his hair just before Joab drove three javelins through his heart and killed him. It is a tragic as well as gruesome story, but how did it happen?

David was a great king who brought glory and splendor to the nation, but he was not always the best of fathers. It is worth reading the entirety of the 13th chapter to understand what perhaps drove Absalom. David had many wives who had many children. One of them, Amnon, lusted after his half sister Tamar, and after luring her, through false pretenses to his rooms, raped her and then refused to take her as his wife. Tamar retreated from Amnon’s rooms weeping and mourning loudly because of her disgrace. Absalom, her full brother, sees her, comforts her and takes her into his house where she lives as a desolate woman. From that point Absalom plots to kill his half brother Amnon.

When David heard of the rape he was furious but did nothing, which undoubtedly served only to fuel Absalom’s rage now directed not only to Amnon but to David as well. David was a powerful warrior, an expert statesman, a skilled diplomat, but an ineffective father. This story tells us not only the folly of the failure to discipline one’s home and children, but also the lasting impact it has on the children themselves. Absalom grew up hating his brother and his father because of his lack of action. He murdered his brother in retaliation, was exiled for three years where he had the chance to plan his coup d’état, and returned to beguile a nation. It did not have to happen and perhaps would not have happened had David been a better father. What have my actions or my lack of actions done to my children?

Lord Jesus, I pray for all parents, but especially for those who hesitate to exercise discipline over their homes and children. Forgive us all when we have allowed situations to go unaddressed that caused bitterness, anger and strife to well up in our families. Give to us the boldness to stand for righteousness and truth in our homes. Remove any and all fear we may have of losing our children’s love and respect because of the discipline, but also cause us to be discerning so that the discipline is always for their good. I submit all of children before You today and ask that You heal bitterness and betrayal from their hearts and turning them back to You and to us, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

[1] The Holy Bible: New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1984), 2 Sa 13:32–33.

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21 Days Praying for Family

Posted on October 12, 2013 by Dr. Logan's Blog

Day 12 – Ephesians 6:4

4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. [1]

This is a special and particular word for fathers. When Paul speaks of fathers, in most places it would be appropriate to include mothers, but not here. If Paul had wanted to say parents he would have done so just as he did in the first verse. So his usage here is intentional. Fathers are instructed to do nothing to exasperate their children. To exasperate means to: embitter or stir up, or as in some translations, “do not provoke your children to anger.” Why does Paul address these seemingly harsh words to fathers? Perhaps he wants to emphasize the role fathers have in instructing their children and they, like many fathers today, may have acquiesced that role to mothers. More probable, however, is the fact that like his admonition to husbands to love their wives in the previous chapter, Paul understands fathers need this instruction more than mothers.

One writer had suggested that fathers provoke children to anger by the over-protection, or by showing favoritism, or by discouragement. They may exasperate them by failing to recognize the growth in their children and their right to their own ideas, rather than being a carbon copy of their fathers. Maybe by neglect, bitter words and outright physical cruelty they are seen exasperating their children? Paul sees such activity as a negative in the lives of men’s children but then inserts a positive. Instead of exasperating their children fathers are to “bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Another translation expresses it this way: “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord;” meaning, fathers are to train and discipline their children. However, the instruction and especially the discipline must not be harsh. It must be more than “do what I say because I say so.” It must be tender taking into account their emotional and spiritual needs as well.

This is a tough word for fathers who tend to be content to lay such parental instruction on the mother, grandparents, schools or the church. Paul, in his day, speaks a word fathers in this generation need to hear, “stand up and take proactive care of your children.” Paul is not here to say it, so I’ll say it for him: Fathers, step up to the plate and reclaim your God given responsibility to raise your children. Don’t leave it to others to teach them what they need to know. Don’t withhold your affection so that they grow up not knowing they are loved or how to love others. Your children need you. Our society needs you. Get off the bench and get in or get back in the game before it is too late!

Dear heavenly Father, You are our greatest example of what it means to be a father. You showed us what unselfish love looks like when You gave Your only Son as a ransom for our sin. Help us today to redeem broken relationships with our children and reclaim our lost position as the priest and leader in our homes. Intervene now, so we can break the cycle of neglect that characterizes so much of our generation and bring You glory. Amen.

[1] The Holy Bible: New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1984), Eph 6:4.

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21 Days Praying for Family

Posted on October 11, 2013 by Dr. Logan's Blog

Day 11 – Hebrews 12:7-11

7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8 If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10 Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.[1]

There probably is not a person alive who having been disciplined by their parents thought it was good or necessary. I can remember having to wait for my father to get home from work and the lecture that was coming. I can remember how my mother was ready to back up her warnings with action without the least hesitation. At the time it was reprehensible to us and yet, looking back on it I am grateful because it prevented me from experiencing a lot of consequences of poor decisions.

To be sure, every child receives and perceives discipline differently. There are five of us and each of us is very different. Each of us has our own stories of how the discipline affected us. As children, teens, and then young adults we made our share of bad decisions in spite of the discipline. But we all share the fact that looking back on it we understand it, celebrate it, and in some instances wish we had adhered better to it. Was all the discipline we received best for us? My parents would tell you ‘no,’ but it was the best they knew at the time. That is exactly what the writer tells us here. We are frail human beings. We make bad mistakes, poor choices, and give bad advice. We are sinners. But look at the alternative. We are reaping the whirlwind of more than a generation of children, now adults, who have not been sufficiently disciplined.

I am not an advocate of abusive parenting of any kind, but neither am I a fan of this modern family that treats children as equals. We have a responsibility to discipline our children as God disciplines us, for their good so they can share in His holiness. If we have been derelict in our duty as parents, now is the time to repent. If we were abused as children now is the time to break the cycle for our own good and that of our children. It is time to end the madness. It is time to return to healthy, wholesome parental discipline.

Dear Father, thank You for parents who took their role of parenting seriously. Thank You for using their discipline to make me the man that I am today. Thank you for teaching me how You love me through their love for me. Thank You for showing me how to love and care for my children. Help all parents today to know how best to best discipline their children for their good and for Your glory. Give them wisdom, insight and understanding. Take away their fear of losing their children’s love and allow them to do what is best for their children, in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

[1] The Holy Bible: New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1984), Heb 12:7–11.

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21 Days Praying for Family

Posted on October 10, 2013 by Dr. Logan's Blog

Day 10 – 1 Samuel 2:12, 22-25

12 Eli’s sons were wicked men; they had no regard for the Lord.  22 Now Eli, who was very old, heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they slept with the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. 23 So he said to them, “Why do you do such things? I hear from all the people about these wicked deeds of yours. 24 No, my sons; it is not a good report that I hear spreading among the Lord’s people. 25 If a man sins against another man, God may mediate for him; but if a man sins against the Lord, who will intercede for him?” His sons, however, did not listen to their father’s rebuke, for it was the Lord’s will to put them to death. [1]

The Bible is filled with examples of poor parenting. It starts in the first book of the Bible when Cain repeats the sin of his father Adam by not taking responsibility for his sin after he has killed his brother Abel. Early in my ministry I counseled a woman who was distraught over her promiscuous teenage daughters. She could not figure out how they could have become that way. But then I pointed out the numbers of men she, as a single mother, would bring into her home and the example she set for these girls their entire lives. The sad truth is that the sins of the fathers are visited upon the children down to the third and fourth generation (Exodus 34:7).

The poor example in our text today is that of Eli, the priest of the Lord, whose sons were so wicked “they had no regard for the Lord.” They slept with women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting (these would have been Nazirites volunteering or cultic prostitutes). They ate the choice meat barbequing it rather than eating it boiled. Eli attempts to rebuke them but they refuse to listen because they were wicked (when you know the right to do but refuse to do it). How did these two men get this way? Their lack of discipline did not happen overnight, but had to have begun as children. Their wickedness, then, is an indictment of Eli himself who failed in his parental responsibilities. Certainly our children have a free will to do as they choose, but often “the apple does not fall very far from the tree.” Am I being too hard on Eli? Read the entire chapter and see how God not only killed the two sons but also exacted harsh judgment upon the house of Eli forever, and then goes and calls Samuel. What kind of example do we as parents set for our children and what impact will it have on generations yet to be born?

Lord, it is a difficult task raising and taking responsibility for children. There are times when it seems to be an insurmountable task. We want to be good parents who leave a lasting legacy for good, but we need Your help. Enable us to be parents after Your own heart and example. Teach us how to overcome the poor examples we have had and break the cycle of judgment over our families, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

[1] The Holy Bible: New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1984), 1 Sa 2:12, 22–25.

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21 Days Praying for Family

Posted on October 9, 2013 by Dr. Logan's Blog

Day 9 – Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1-3

12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. [1]

6   Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” [2]

This present society has been quick to protect the rights it believes children should have over their parents and other adult authority figures even when it comes to life and death decisions. For example, girls as young as age fifteen can have an abortion without their parent’s consent, but cannot vote, drive, drink or smoke. But nothing is being said about the commandment from God children have to honor their parents or the instruction from the Apostle Paul to obey them. This day is very different from when I was growing up. I was loathe to disobey or disrespect my parents and the consequences were dire if I did.

Let us be clear, not all of the protections and rights society has given are unwarranted. Many are absolutely necessary to protect children from the predators and abusers that are many, but responsible parents are increasingly losing the ability to control their children and children are being taught to disrespect their parents. To honor implies respect, obedience and care for the needs of the parents. Just as parents have the responsibility to care for their children when they were unable to care for themselves, so now children must accept the responsibility to care for their parents when they are unable to care for themselves. Many adults with older parents are living this reality and are taking this call seriously, but there are others who place their own well-being and that of their own families above that of their parents. Paul echoes the commandment by pointing out that such respect, obedience and care of one’s parents is the right thing to do and that those who do will enjoy “long life on earth.” This is the only commandment with a promise. Let we who are fortunate to have our parents with us still do the right thing as it relates to our parents.

Dear Lord, I thank You for my parents, even as I thank you for the legacy that resides in them from the generations that influenced them. I thank You for the love, care, and concern they still demonstrate for me even though I have been fully grown a long time. Forgive me, and all who think they are fully grown, for a lack of respect and rebellion against our parents. Speak to my children, and all children, teens and young adults everywhere, about respect for and obedience to their parents. Convict their hearts where they have been rebellious and draw them back to Your side that their days may be long in the Land. Amen.

[1] The Holy Bible: New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1984), Ex 20:12.

[2] The Holy Bible: New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1984), Eph 6:1–4.

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21 Days Praying for Family

Posted on October 8, 2013 by Dr. Logan's Blog

Day 8 – Exodus 18:1-6

  18 Now Jethro, the priest of Midian and father-in-law of Moses, heard of everything God had done for Moses and for his people Israel, and how the Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt. 2 After Moses had sent away his wife Zipporah, his father-in-law Jethro received her 3 and her two sons. One son was named Gershom, for Moses said, “I have become an alien in a foreign land”; 4 and the other was named Eliezer, for he said, “My father’s God was my helper; he saved me from the sword of Pharaoh.” 5 Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, together with Moses’ sons and wife, came to him in the desert, where he was camped near the mountain of God. 6 Jethro had sent word to him, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons.” [1]

The text for today is a difficult one, hitting directly home for those of us in full-time ministry. At some point in the exodus from Egypt Moses had sent away his wife, Zipporah along with their two sons. They had returned to her country and her family, but now Jethro, her father comes and brings back to Moses his wife and sons. It is almost as if Jethro is saying to Moses, “This is your responsibility, not mine.” The text does not tell us the reason or reasons why Moses sent his wife away. It is apparent from the meaning of the sons’ names that they were party to the exodus. However, as we read the remaining of the chapter it seems that ministry may very well have gotten in the way. Jethro observes Moses sitting from the break of day until evening arbitrating the disputes of the people and suddenly it seems entirely plausible that Moses was so consumed with the people that he neglected his first responsibility, his family.

For those of us in full-time ministry this account strikes a little closer to home, perhaps, than we would like. Many have gotten their commitment to God mixed up with their commitment to the church they serve. Consequently their marriages suffer and their relationships with their children become strained to the point that they become bitter at the church and even at God. How many PKs (preachers’ kids) are in rebellion with God today because they felt neglected by their ministry parents? How many marriages have died because spouses, particularly wives felt underappreciated, even unwanted? I know, first hand the pain such misplaced commitments can inflict, but also the redemption that can be achieved. God gave us family we are to love and serve before we love and serve the churches and the people to which we have been assigned. Join me today in some reprioritization; God comes first, spouses second, children third, then self, and finally the ministry or our jobs. It is an investment we dare not any longer overlook.

Lord Jesus, I never seriously considered that the time I spent serving Your people might have an adverse affect on my family and for that I am sorry. Help me to redeem the times. Help me to salvage broken relationships. Help me restore my children back to You who have gone astray. Let my family, my marriage, give You glory and serve as an example to the world of how great and good You really are. Amen.

[1] The Holy Bible: New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1984), Ex 18:1–6.

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21 Days Praying for Family

Posted on October 7, 2013 by Dr. Logan's Blog

Day 7 – Psalm 78:1-8; Proverbs 22: 7

1 O my people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. 2 I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things, things from of old— 3 what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us. 4 We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done. 5 He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children, 6 so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. 7 Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands. 8 They would not be like their forefathers— a stubborn and rebellious generation, whose hearts were not loyal to God, whose spirits were not faithful to him. [1]

6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. [2]

Parents have the awesome responsibility of training their children in the Word of the Lord. We like to reference Proverbs 22:7 when we speak about training children, but we really should question how such a return will happen. The proverb seems so simple but it is really much more complicated than we have generally indicated. Psalm 78:1-8 helps our understanding by telling us what we are to teach and why we should teach it. Only if we train them will they put their trust in God and keep His commands. Then, though they go astray, what is in them will bring them back to the Lord.

We are to tell children about the “praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,” those marvelous things he has done throughout history for His people. We are to tell them about His power, power that parted the Red Sea and drowned the Egyptian army, power that saved wretches that you and me. We are to tell them about “the wonders He has done,” how He created the heavens and the earth and all that is them. These are the things we are to teach them as we train them in the laws, statutes and decrees. The problem, of course, is that many did not learn these things from their parents and are, therefore, unable to train a new generation. There is a great learning curve many must overcome, but we still carry the responsibility. Let us resolve today to increase our knowledge and understanding so we can teach our children.

Dear Lord, I confess my lack of knowledge and understanding of Your Word, Your will, and Your ways. I confess I have not been as diligent in fulfilling my duty to train my children in Your laws, statutes, and decrees as I should have. Fill me with the knowledge of Your Word, wisdom and understanding so I may say the right things and give the right counsel. Open opportunities for me to, even now, train my children so they may train their children to know You, love You and serve You, in the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

[1] The Holy Bible: New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1984), Ps 78:1–8.

[2] The Holy Bible: New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1984), Pr 22:6.

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21 Days Praying for Family

Posted on October 6, 2013 by Dr. Logan's Blog

Day 6 – Psalm 127:3-5

3 Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. 4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. 5 Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate. [1]

How do we value our children, as parents or as members of the community? They are not objects to be possessed or assets to be managed. They are tremendous gifts from God, rewards from Him, and apparently God allows even those who are not worthy of receiving rewards from Him to have children. That is because the children themselves are the reward, which is manifested in the manner in which we handle them. You have seen children exhibiting counter-productive behavior and many times when you see their parents you understand why. I am often filled with grief seeing the manner in which many children are being raised because they are “a heritage from the Lord.”

Anyone that has ever seen a newborn, regardless of how they came to be in the world, can appreciate how precious they are. They are innocent, untainted, uninhibited, and their love is often without conditions. They become these little people with developing personalities that cause us to laugh or cry, sometimes running a full spectrum of emotions all at the same time. How we raise them, how we handle them as parents, teachers, family members, church members or just members of a common community is wrapped up in our attitudes toward them.

The psalmist tells us that children are our legacy. They are our heritage. Long after we are gone they will reflect either for good or for evil. Like arrows in a warrior’s quiver they will fly straight in the direction we shoot them. If we point them in the direction of excellence that is the direction they will go. If we prepare them for the cruelty of the world they are certain to experience they will not be blindsided or ashamed. How we handle children, those that are our own and those that are not, determines their future and secures our legacy. Let us, therefore, be cautious in how we handle our children. Let us be prayerful in how we handle this awesome responsibility we have been given.

Heavenly Father, thank for the rewards we have received in our children as parents or as friends. Some of us have never experienced the joys and sorrows of actually raising a child. Some of us are aunts and uncles, godparents or just special friends, but share the responsibility of launching these children into their destiny. Forgive for acquiescing our responsibility to those who don’t value them, who contend with them simply because it is their job. Forgive us for the times we have grumbled and complained and help us to see these children in a different light. Help us to see them through Your eyes and in the process transform our attitudes. We ask this in the strong name of Jesus. Amen.

[1] The Holy Bible: New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1984), Ps 127:3–5.

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